Powys Business Awards recognised a premiere Welsh visitor attraction for doing its bit to help fight climate change.

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, in Dan-yr-Ogof by Abercraf, won the Excellence in Sustainability Award, sponsored by Welsh Government, at the annual awards ceremony held at Dering Lines, Brecon, on Friday, October 4.

Judges at the ceremony praised the company’s commitment to sustainability that they said will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy one of Wales’ most impressive natural wonders.

Geraint Jones, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales manager, said: “We are very excited and thankful to win this award which means a lot to the business.

“Investing in sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint are very important, especially at a time of high energy costs.”

After the attraction was as a National Nature Reserve, the company reviewed its entire environmental commitment and has cut costs by producing its own green energy.

They also launched environmental projects such as planting more than 80,000 broadleaf trees to increase water retention in the Upper Swansea Valley and consequently reduce the risk of local flooding.

They also installed a second water turbine which produces more than 60 KW of green energy for the caves, with the excess fed into the National Grid, as well as solar panels that make the coffee shop, self-catering cottages, caravan park and dinosaur park, energy self-sufficient.

National Showcaves Centre for Wales chairman, Ashford Price, added: “Staff feel part of an attraction that is really helping Mother Nature by not adding to the present global warming scenario.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

“Another major advantage of our green energy policy is that previously we had huge costs in buying electricity from the National Grid. However, these savings can now be used for new tourism projects within the complex.”

As well as praise from the awards body, the business also earned praise from Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans

She said: “We’re proud to sponsor an award that recognises and celebrates how companies across Powys are leading the way to a more sustainable future. 

“Dan-yr-Ogof’s commitment to sustainability demonstrates how the greener economy we are building in Wales brings with it a wealth of opportunities. Well done to them, and to all the winners at Friday’s ceremony.”